Road to Wyoming slide area could reopen soon

Friday, April 25, 2014

JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) — Officials in Jackson say residents might soon regain use of the only road to their homes near a slow-moving landslide.

Crews have piled 400 tons of dirt and concrete blocks on Budge Drive to try to halt the landslide. The Jackson Hole News & Guide reports (http://bit.ly/1jMvWyx ) a temporary road was built on top of the drive.

Jackson police say traffic could be allowed as soon as next week if ground movement continues to slow and the road holds.

Officials evacuated 42 homes and apartment units April 9. Last week, a surge in movement tore one house atop the slide zone in two.

Most residents have been allowed to return but only on foot.

Two holes have been drilled into the hillside to test for movement, and an instrument inside one indicates slight shifting.